Instead of Making More Rights, Let’s Revoke Corporate Special Privileges

The ability to access broadband internet is a right, and should be defined as an essential utility. Just as you’re surprised when you flick a light switch and the light doesn’t come on so are you surprised when the internet goes away in your house. The internet is used for communication, entertainment, business – an entire panopoly of humor endevours. Just as there are protections to keep water and electricity flowing to your house, so should the internet be protected. – Andre Vrignaud

Comcast doesn’t want to do business with Andre anymore because, according to Comcast, he uses their service too much. They don’t want his money. He is cut off, like a disobedient child. There are no other broadband alternatives available where Andre lives.

His solution? Make broadband a “right.” FAIL.

Sorry, Andre, I get how wrong this is, but using force against Comcast (via a government rule) is not the solution. The solution is to stop Comcast from using the forced privileges government has granted it. I won’t go into them all, because there are so many. But Comcast wouldn’t enjoy monopoly status in your (and many other areas) without its government-granted privileges.

TL;DR: Stop making rights. Start rolling back corporate privilege so there can be more options.